The Last Supper and Dessert!

OKAY... So we're driving to Mark and Leslie's housewarming party and suddenly we are following THIS! I'm ashamed to say my children were mildly disgusted with how excited I was to take this picture. Hannah was very concerned that the people in the truck (and there were a whole bunch, let me tell ya) were watching me snap the pictures. I justified my actions by telling her that since they had put all that time (and cash) into it, they were probably okay with me appreciating it. Bob kept saying, " So, do you think they're Mexican? - Only in Texas, I swear!" - Bob can say this, he's Mexican.
So, we get to the house and they all decide to go play kickball - did I mention that it's 106 degrees outside? And by "they", I mean all of the people at the party who are NOT from Michigan. Now, let me tell you, we have definitely acquired thinned blood since we moved here and can tolerate MUCH hotter temps, but 106 is 106, you know? I don't run unless one of my children is in danger of dying and I'm trying to make it there in time to save their life. I decided to be water girl and sit in the shade, handing out water to the victims of heat stroke. When we got back to the house, Mark grilled burgers and we just sat and relaxed in their great new house - very Austin! After a couple of hours and of course, just when we decide we have to get home, the kids (Cassie, you know who you are!) start "suggesting" we all go to Amy's Ice Cream and you know, I love myself some Amy's! Can you say "GRASSHOPPER" - with real mint liqueur? Mmmmmm... especially on a 106 degree day! I love summer. I wish it could go on forever...

Michigan - Week 2

We had a great time at my parent's house. This is on their back deck. Mandy brought over Abby, Kate & Conor. Bob hasn't seen them in 2 years and I haven't seen them in a year. They are beautiful kids. We also got to see Lexi and Tater-Bug. They always make me laugh. Eating on Grandpa & Grandma's deck with your cousins on a perfect summer day. It doesn't get much better than that!

I still can't believe that Michelle and Connie drove all the way to Adrian to see us again. We had such a great time. They even picked up McKenna, so she and Hannah could spend some time together. After church they asked if they could walk to the 7-11 for slurpies and after asking if they knew the way, the parents agreed to let them go. Well, thank God for cell phones, because they took a wrong turn and ended up by the PRISON (Cindy will have my head!). Michele went with this extraordinarily helpful and kind woman we met on the street and rescued them with a car meant for 4 people on a really good day. It was like being at the circus with the clowns all coming, non-stop, out of the teeny car when they got back - 8 of them. It was such a good laugh!!

Hannah and McKenna were so much more grown up - after the initial screaming when they saw each other. What beautiful girls!!

We didn't have a day that wasn't beautiful while we were in Michigan. It was incredible. The kids had such a nice time with Grandpa on the lake in Adrian. Bob, Mom, Rocket and I just sat on the shore enjoying the sunset. It was good for my soul. I love how the nicest times are so often FREE!!! Rocket was so happy in Adrian. He just made himself right at home!

Aaron had a fish on the line, but it got away... I saw it with my own eyes, after they all started freaking out on the pontoon!

Uncle Steve and Uncle Mike came over and spent the day with us on Wednesday. We even talked them into staying for church and Dad got to play with ALL of his boys that evening. It was lovely. A beautiful moment for Mom and Dad. When Hannah sang, too, they were in heaven.
I think my favorite part about this picture is that Caleb has a toothpick sticking out of his mouth. I just love this boy, with his doo-rag, his new earring, his bleached shirt (that he borrowed, in spite of the fact that we bought him several new, very cool shirts for the trip), and a toothpick hanging out his mouth!

We had such a nice time with Bob's parents. We missed being in Imlay with the house full of memories and the HUGE yard, but it was still home because it was with them. Dad is pastoring the old church there and they are reconnecting with lots of old friends. It's been really difficult for Mom, but she's standing by her man and I know God will bless her for that. She is one of the most loving people I know. I know lots of women have mothers-in-law that they don't really get along with. I count mine as one of the biggest blessings in my life. We have been through so much together and worked through it in such a way that unconditional love has just blossomed and grown between us. That doesn't mean that our different cultures, personalities, etc. don't drive each other crazy every once in a while, but love is never a question and because we don't just stuff it, it's pretty healthy. I am blessed.

Michigan - Picture Show

These are just some pictures of our time in Michigan. Lots of family time, good stuff.
Jordan, Brandon, Scott, & Shannon (Brandon's girlfriend)
We went to Bob's Uncle Joe and Aunt Bennie's home. Uncle Joe has terminal cancer. It was a bittersweet visit knowing it will probably be the last time we see him here.
Grampa & Scott... they sure do enjoy each other. They get each other in that rare blessed way. I'm so thankful for that.
Hannah and her Gramma. I'm so glad I got this picture. They are both so beautiful to me. I'm glad they like each other so much. I'm thankful that my kids got to see their family in Michigan this summer.

Michigan - Week 1

We spent the first few days with Barry, Michele and sweet Rory. Can you say P-E-R-F-E-C-T??? There are few places where my whole family feels so loved and relaxed. We didn't make any plans except to spend lots of time together. Pam & Duncan and Connie & Dave came over and we just ate, laughed and enjoyed catching up. It was just what we all needed. I don't know what people do without friends like these. They have sustained me these last few years.

My sweet girl sang "When You Say Nothing At All" with her daddy accompanying her on the guitar. Everyone literally went crazy with applause and cheering when she finished. It was a beautiful moment for her. She has a gift for singing that could only come from God!
Mr. and Mrs. Barclay Clarke!!! I really love these two. Their ceremony was so beautiful. They were married in Charlevoix at Castle Farms. The weather was perfect, the bride was absolutely gorgeous and the groom was emotional. It doesn't get much better than that. I always love how weddings cause Bob and I to reminisce about our wedding and our first few years of marriage. God, I really love that man!

Is this a vision or what? I cannot believe how beautiful our children are. They are so grown up! Try to ignore the bunny ears over Hannah's head! I am so thankful that we all got to spend so much time together this week. I miss my big boys more than I can say. It's so good when they all get together. The younger ones adore the older two and the older two are old enough to honor that. It really is one of life's blessings. I love my children.

Happy 4th of July!!

We had such a nice time with our friends last night. It was so laid back and fun. The fireworks were AWESOME!! There is nothing like good food, good drink, good conversation with great new friends. It's cause for being thankful. Bob's cousin, Kem, and his wife, Christina came over to Stacy and Clay's, too. It was nice to relax before our long trip to Michigan!

Which reminds me... I can't believe that I'm actually "on schedule" for our trip - that doesn't happen for me! The laundry is done, the animals are taken care of, the bills are all set, the house is in pretty good shape - especially rare - and the extras: gifts, cards, etc. are already packed. You know something is going to go wrong!! Maybe this is God's way of being merciful since the trip will be Very Expensive and LONG in our Little Car!!